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Mallow General Hospital will become a smoke-free campus in the new year. Photo: 123RF

Mallow General Hospital will become a smoke-free campus from Monday, 6th January 2014. From this date forward, smoking will not be permitted anywhere on the hospital grounds.

This new policy will apply to all staff, patients, visitors and contractors ensuring a healthier, safer and cleaner environment for all and better health outcomes for patients.

Dr John Kiely, Consultant Physician at the hospital said that introducing the Smoke Free Campus policy in Mallow General Hospital provides an environment that promotes health and supports those who want to stop smoking.

"The facts are indisputable when it comes to the health gains; giving up smoking greatly improves a patient’s recovery. Research shows that non smokers or those who quit smoking before and after surgery have much better wound healing and recover faster.”

Siobhan Lynch, Hospital Managers aid hospitals and health systems, both nationally and internationally, are working to encourage patients to adopt healthier tobacco free lifestyles in order to decrease the incidence of smoking related disease.

"Providing a smoke free environment sends a clear message that this hospital is committed to protecting and promoting the health of our patients, staff and all who visit Mallow General Hospital,” she said.

Patients will be informed in the coming weeks of the new policy in advance of their admission to the hospital and, when admitted, patients who smoke will be offered free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) during their hospital stay. Patients can also be referred to the free Smoking Cessation Service. Awareness sessions are ongoing and will continue with staff at the Hospital as well as training on the use of nicotine replacement therapy.

Mary Owens, Director of Nursing had this to say: "I want to reassure staff and patients that we are not telling anyone that they must stop smoking, but we are asking people not to smoke in our hospital during their stay. The single most important thing a person can do to improve their health is to stop smoking and we are very pleased to be able to provide such an environment in Mallow General Hospital and we will support anyone who wishes to do that.”

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